Caribbean prepares for 2015 hurricane season

Subject

Regional coordination in disaster preparedness and response.

Significance

With the June-November 2015 hurricane season approaching, Caribbean states are stepping up their disaster preparedness efforts. However, limited financial resources will continue to constrain efforts towards regional cooperation and mitigation.

Impacts

• Limited military/security assets in the region encourage ongoing reliance on support from countries such as the United States.
• Efforts to mitigate risk through construction, especially in earthquake-prone areas, have not yet received major emphasis.
• Countries currently outside the main regional mechanism, such as Cuba, may increase coordination while stopping short of full membership.